The Opposition spokesman for Mepa this afternoon criticised the Mepa board for having approved the demolition of the former Royal Naval Oil Depot, which lies at the foot of the bastions on the shore between Vittoriosa and Kalkara

The decision was taken on Thursday following an application by the government's Restoration Unit, which is restoring the bastions.

Mr Galdes observed that the Heritage Unit and the Environment Protection Department had objected to the demolition of this 100-year-old building because this demolition violated the principles of conservation of historic buildings.

In November 2007 the Heritage Advisory Committee had also objected to this application on the basis that this was an example of Malta's naval heritage, but it later change its version, Mr Galdes said.

He said the building was going to be given schedule 2 protection by Mepa before it agreed to its demolition.

Mr Galdes warned that this decision could set a precedent and lead to other historic buildings built alongside the bastions around Grand Harbour being demolished.

The Resources Ministry in a reaction criticised the stand taken by Mr Galdes, saying he was the only member of the Mepa board to vote against the project. It said this project had been recommended by experts and would reveal the magnificence of the Vittoriosa bastions.